If you liked samurai themes (Samurai 7) check out the Samurai Champloo series. It's visually appealing though don't go into it thinking Innocence - by any stretch. There's plenty o' action!!

Most of the others films I could recommend have already been said. But Escaflowne (the film) and Akira (the Grand Daddy) were missed. I'm actually surprised Akira hasn't already been mentioned. It is dated however - actually both are and look it.

Talemyn referred to Metropolis but not in the context of a recommendation. I would. It's more sci-fi (investigative adventure) related but does contain some action elements. Not a bad little film and it looks and sounds pretty amazing.

Lastly, although it's not anime, give Titan AE a rental - it's a Hollywood production. It's not the greatest story, but it ain't half bad. What it does excel at are action sequences and if have a home theater set up with a DTS decoder, the soundtrack is very impressive!!! It's sci fi but there's a large amount of action.

I may have missed it, but have you seen Cowboy Bebop yet? I feel its the best animated series ever. Between the music, the stories and the characters, its an all around winner. it even has what I consider the best english dub ever.

Its really a fantastical show. its kinda (sorta) like the animated version of firefly. Only Bebop was first. And has jazz. And rules.

hey sid, if you love bebop so much then check out Samurai Champloo. Created by the same dude and it features samurai's with hip hop music.

Yeah, minor film but great sound. And if you decide to buy, it's dirt cheap.

Princess Mononoke is great if you like your anime action mixed in with a great epic tale. Besides, it's got arrow decapitations.

I agree. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is one of the best looking animes out there. And if you like the movie, I would suggest checking out the book series.

Another vote for Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. It's probably my favorite standalone action oriented anime movie.

Also, like others said, you can't go wrong with any Studio Ghibli films (Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away). These all have amazing animation and cool stories.

Thanks for the tips. I've actually viewed all Miyazaki movies, and I enjoyed them all. I've seen Titan A.E. and like it as well.

I do like both 3d computer animated as well as great drawings. The better the eye candy, the more I'm inclined to watch it. I guess I'm shallow that way : )

Anything out there as good as Appleseed in terms of presentation/quality? I thought there was supposed to be a follow up to this directed by John Woo. In the meantime,I'll checkout your recommendations here. Thanks again!

Ask and sometimes you shall receive: http://www.twitchfilm.net/archives/009218.html

I agree with everything you just said.

I've said this before and i'll say it again: Cowboy Bebop is the best show ever, anime or otherwise.

Ghost in the Shell, Jim-Ron, Ninja Scroll, Robot Carnival, Metropolis, Neo Tokyo, Memories, Princess Mononoke, and the best of all AKIRA

Innocence: Ghost in the Shell 2 is hard to beat as far as animation quality. However, most films by Mamoru Oshii are relatively light on action. He was also the writer of Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade.

Some titles I'd recommend:

If you're looking for anime with superb animation and lots of action that will look great on your HDTV, get Karas: The Prophecy. The only problem is that it's being released in two parts and the second part isn't available yet.

Other, more "old school" recommendations: Jubei Nimpucho (a.k.a. Ninja Scroll), Kite, Macross Plus, Battle Angel.

I've got to agree with this one. Cowboy Bebop is stunning.